3D Printing Challenge
It’s that time again. The 2009-2010 Extreme Redesign Challenge is underway. Sponsored by Dimension 3D Printing, a div. of Stratasys, Eden Prairie, Minn., the Challenge is looking for creative minds who believe they have a great idea to improve an everyday product or to design a building or work of art from scratch.
The contest’s three categories are middle/high-school-level engineering (in Europe: school/college engineering, 16-18 years old); college-level engineering (In Europe: university engineering, 18+ years old); and art & architectural — open to students of all grade levels. There is also a “green” bonus category where one entry will be selected as the best environmentally friendly design.
Entrants of the engineering category must submit a STL file of their extreme redesign and a completed submission form, including a 200-word description and/or a 30-sec video explaining the value and benefit of the redesigned model.
For the Art & Architecture category, submit a STL file of the architectural design or work of art along with a completed submission form, including a 30-sec video and/or a 200-word description of the entry.
Entries submitted in the two above categories will also be judged on their environmental friendliness for a chance to win the “Green” award:
Top prize in each category is a $2,500 scholarship; runner-ups will receive $1,000 scholarships. Semifinalists will receive a printed model of their design along with a $50 gift card. Entries will be accepted through February 1, 2010.
For more information, go to www.dimensionprinting.com/extreme-redesign/extreme-redesign-main.aspx.
2008-09 Winners
Engineering Winner – University
Chris Triska and Alexander Soloviev, Ryerson Univ., Toronto, Ont. – Light-switch cover. They created a light-switch cover that lets several other functions be added to it by extending its surface area.
Engineering Winner – High School
Jordan Berger, New Paltz High School, New Paltz, N.Y. – Alphabet blocks. Tradition wooden blocks pose harms to others if thrown. Use of a safer and softer plastic diminishes this risk. Plastic also eliminates another hazard — splinters. Traditional blocks were only in English. The new design features different languages.
Art & Architecture Winner
Michael Schmelzel, Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, Ill. – Warrior tailgating pancake mold. He designed a pancake mold in the shape of the schools logo for the booster club to raise money for sports and school activities.